jwillman

Looks like 78 and 79 used a metal spring latch versus the screw ***** to secure the tool kit cover to the car. The plastic tabs on the top side of mine are broken and Roger tells me replacements are NLA.

Anyone come up with a DIY alternative?
Thanks

F18Rep

You would have to re-carpet it but a pair of small weld studs would be pretty simple (just need access to a MIG). Then a threaded ****. McMaster carr sells both items....Bruce

jwillman

My tool kit cover is vinyl covered. I will pull it out this weekend and take some pictures.

Podguy

Best bet is to find another out of a 78-79 car. The difference is significant.

jwillman

The latches as I call them are plastic. The release tab on top is what is broken off right at the point it turns the corner to go around under the back lip of the tool kit.

I am guessing they all break in the same place. As I only have ~6000 78/79 donors out there WW finding a spare might be tough.

Upon closer inspection the latch is just a rigid plastic catch that holds the tool kit in place fore and aft and that it appears that the actual force to hold it securely comes from the spring load of how the cover is shaped and held in place at the bottom edge. Releasing the cover seems to be accomplished by lifting up at the lacthes so I am guessing I could attach a flexable strap of some sort.

The top picture has black lines where I have seem the top piece which is missing on my car would go.

Podguy

I will have a look at mine. It looks like someone modified yours..

linderpat

Mine are identiacl to Jim's.

Doug_B_928

Mine are the same as well (pics below).